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Cannabis Edibles, Drinks Will Mark ‘2nd wave’ of Legalization

Producers Developing New Products Ahead Of Next October

In the weeks after legalization, cannabis companies are already looking ahead to 2019, when edible cannabis products are expected to become legal. (Submitted)

Now that recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, producers are looking forward to what they’re calling the “second wave” of legalization — edibles, drinks and vaping products expected to become legal starting next year.

Bruce Linton, the founder and co-CEO of Canopy Growth, said new products developed by Tweed — the cannabis brand owned by Canopy and based in Smiths Falls — represent the next big opportunity.

“I think if you’re not preparing things two years in advance, you’re never ready,” he said.

“Right now, none of the chocolate or gummy bears or beverages can be prepared or sold, but we’re doing experiments on how to make them.”

Recreational cannabis became legal on Oct. 17, though only dried and fresh cannabis, oil, plants and seeds are allowed under the legislation.

The federal government has said edibles containing cannabis and cannabis concentrates would be legal on or before Oct. 17, 2019.

The legislation left a significant portion of the illegal market untouched, said Jay Rosenthal, the co-founder and president of the news site Business of Cannabis.

“[Edibles] are the products that the black market has been really good at marketing and selling,” he said.

“As a specific goal of driving out the black market, these products are really important to bring online.”

Market expands

Since legalization, the demand for cannabis products has been high in many provinces.

Elizabeth Richey, MD

Elizabeth Richey, MD
Elizabeth Richey is an author, and student who approves articles and then published them on our website to the MJN viewership.
Her qualifications include a degree in international policy and medicine.
Always refer to a qualified doctor before using marijuana to treat an ailment.